Making Your Marque

Branding Matters

In business, branding is everything. In all aspects of life, men, women, leaders, nations and, of course, products are brands. So are you. When you enter the world of business, you need to develop your “marque” – that is, establish your own personal brand.

You will spend the first two decades of your career shaping and enhancing your personal brand. Develop an identity that accurately reflects your ambition, morals, values, interests and integrity, and that makes you proud of yourself. You’ll spend your next 20 years capitalizing on your brand, not only in a commercial sense, but also financially. The latter two decades of your career will be your “niche brand” stage. You may spend this time as an elder statesman in your field.

Plan Your Career

As you consider your future, decide specifically what kind of job you’d like. Think ahead in at least three-year increments. Set firm job goals. Perform a SWOT analysis to determine your strengths and weaknesses and to weigh the job opportunities and threats that confront you. Such challenges can include: 1) financial pressures, 2) advancement, 3) the level of competition in your chosen field, ...